Actor: Thank you.

Chapter 1198 Prejudice
On set, a green screen and a replica of the Temple of Heaven.

Chow Yun-fat, dressed in a dragon robe, ascended to the top, while a group of officials knelt down to pay homage.

This is one of the most infamous scenes in modern Chinese history: Yuan Shikai's restoration!

History has proven that turning back the clock will inevitably lead to eternal infamy.

However, such a stench has occurred more than once in modern times.

Fan Bingbing plays Empress Dowager Longyu, and her scenes depict the abdication of Emperor Xuantong and her taking control of the government.

Liu Tao plays the role of Consort Duankang, a character in a drama depicting Zhang Xun's restoration and the return of the Xuantong Emperor to power.

The real performance, with one act ending and another beginning, was like a child's play.

Zhang Yuan leaned against the side, looking at the scene, and recalled the time when he was filming "Bodyguards and Assassins".

This play is worth watching as a two-part series.

Furthermore, the weaknesses of Mr. Sun Yat-sen, which are frequently depicted in "Bodyguards and Assassins," namely that the revolution only occurred among the bourgeoisie and failed to fully mobilize the lower classes, are precisely the reasons why Yuan Shikai was able to take control of the overall situation and become emperor.

If you don't have a gun, the fruits of the revolution will be seized by those who do.

However, in this scene that should have been solemn, the atmosphere was not serious at all; on the contrary, it was somewhat inappropriate.

The reason for his unconventional approach was that Lao Han invited Zhao Benshan to play Duan Qirui.

During rehearsals, the assistant director had everyone take their positions and began choreographing.

"The script supervisor will raise the number board in a moment."

"When it's number 1, Chow Yun-fat moves."

"When the number 2 was raised, everyone in the audience, including Teacher Zhao, knelt down."

With so many people and the need for sound recording, holding up signs and acting in unison is the most convenient approach.

“Then we’re number 2,” Teacher Zhao replied.

“Yes, you are number 2.” Chow Yun-fat turned around and held up two fingers to Zhao Benshan.

It's obvious they're using this as an excuse to make fun of something.

But he forgot that Zhao Benshan was an artist who made a living by talking.

“We’re the 2s, and you’re standing in front of a bunch of 2s, so you’re the super 2!” Uncle Benshan replied casually.

If we're talking about bad people, none are worse than those who perform traditional folk arts.

After his setback, Chow Yun-fat held back his anger.

A short while later, when the filming officially started, everyone knelt down after counting to two.

But as soon as he knelt down, Teacher Zhao let out his signature laugh.

"Hum hum……"

Not to mention the national audience, even the actors on site couldn't stand it when they heard this, so they had to quickly call "cut".

It turned out that the prop on Teacher Zhao's clothes was broken.

Let's fix it; we'll do the repairs on-site.

Chow Yun-fat got excited again: "I think you've taken the wrong medicine today."

They laughed at him for always messing up and not doing a good job.

“You took expired Viagra today,” Chow Yun-fat added.

A veteran, greasy male star who loves to tell lewd jokes on set and always thinks he's very humorous.

This isn't just one person; there's a whole group of people like this.

And it's not just because I'm old that I'm like this; I was like this when I was young too.

Many male celebrities who are labeled as "charming" and "dashing" are actually quite undignified.

But as I said before, Chow Yun-fat met Zhao Benshan.

When it comes to witty banter and quick thinking, few people in the entire country can outwit him.

Let alone ordinary people, even Teacher Guo would have to admit defeat.

“I’m not taking Viagra, I’m taking Fa Ge,” Teacher Zhao replied instantly.

The whole audience burst into laughter, and Andy Lau, who was playing Cai E, patted Teacher Zhao on the shoulder.

When filming "Keep Cool" back then, Jiang Wen couldn't keep up with Zhao's lines when they were acting together.

Even someone as strong-willed as Ning Jing felt that Zhao Benshan and Fan Wei were terrifying after filming "Ma Dashuai 2". There were no lines in the filming, only scenes and characters, and everything depended on improvisation on set.

They've already reached the level of "winning without using moves," no longer relying on techniques or routines. They won't easily fool you hard-working, classically trained people.

Chow Yun-fat wasn't deliberately picking a fight; he was just joking.

He's shrewd; he won't pick a fight with someone he can't handle.

Both of them arrived a few days ago.

Heavy snow fell in the capital, and with the Lunar New Year just over, the highways were completely jammed.

Chow Yun-fat was stuck in traffic for more than ten hours and could barely move.

He found a policeman to scan his face and said he had to rush to film a movie.

But the police said they couldn't do anything about it; everyone was blocking the way.

Teacher Zhao was also stuck in traffic, but when the police saw it was him, they found a police car to clear the way and let him pass.

There's no need to shout about who's the best actor or how much the box office is.

When a real crisis occurs, you can tell who the real superstars are by observing the reactions at the grassroots level.

You say you earn hundreds of millions a year, as if to show off how great you are, how superior you are.

The car immediately shut down after being asked, "Have you paid your taxes?"

That's all useless; it can't change the fact that he's a vulgar actor.

Zhao Benshan is such a big name that even old folks won't go to sleep if they don't watch his skit on the Spring Festival Gala.

"If you need anything after crossing the Shanhaiguan Pass, just ask Benshan" isn't just empty boasting.

Even during an interview about this matter, a reporter tried to sabotage Teacher Zhao.

"I heard there was a traffic jam when you came?"

Teacher Zhao jokingly explained the situation.

"So, the police gave you special treatment?"

“It’s all white, all snow, where’s the green?” Teacher Zhao replied instantly.

If you label someone as having a special privilege granted by the police, countless people will criticize celebrities for their special treatment.

The person immediately realized it was a trap and humorously jumped over it.

The level of this answer alone is enough for most young artists to learn for several years.

Cleverness is not the same as wisdom; wisdom is something that transcends cleverness.

Some people think they are clever, but they have no wisdom at all.

When the scene with all the big shots gathered was interrupted, Zhang Yuan went up to find Brother Hua.

"There's something I'd like to tell you."

"I have an idea, and it would be great if you could agree with it."

Hua Ge was puzzled, so he explained.

Then he went to find Tang Wei.

"Hello." Miss Tang had already changed into student makeup, after all, she was playing the role of the teacher's first love, an intellectual young woman.

"You look great," Zhang Yuan complimented.

The two had met at his house years ago.

Her current attire is quite similar to her image before she "fell" in "Lust, Caution".

After all, Wang Jiazhi was originally a patriotic and educated young woman.

"Thank you." Tang Wei nodded very gently.

I wondered to myself, what does this person mean by praising me?
Does she have feelings for me, or something else?

Should I offer something in return...?

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yuan's next words contradicted his statement.

"It's nice, but it's not suitable for you."

"Huh?" The man stared blankly at Zhang Yuan.

Wood is her temperament; she herself is of average intelligence.

"I think you're better suited to a different image."

"You mean?" Miss Tang respected him quite a bit, after all, Zhang Yuan and Jiang Zhiqiang, who was her boss, were friends.

Zhang Yuan raised his finger and gave a serious answer with a name that instantly made her face turn black.

"You're more suited to playing a woman of the night."

Tang Wei: ...

Was he...insulting me?
The impact of the film "Lust, Caution" and the numerous online comments were already a thorn in her side.

Not to mention online, there's a lot of criticism around me too.

Even the most determined person needs time to hone their skills before they can achieve a state of complete focus.

Ultimately, it will still be affected by external evaluations.

So Tang Wei is now somewhat vulnerable to being caught off guard by a single word.

If you mention chicken to an ordinary woman, she'll only think of food at most.

But if you mention chicken in front of someone, even if it's just a casual word related to chicken, they will get furious and think you are being sarcastic.

When you say you want to eat "Lao Xiang Ji" (a type of chicken dish) for dinner, everyone thinks you're looking for an old lady from the countryside...

What people fear most is inferiority complex, which can lead to a host of problems.

Tang Wei doesn't regret making such a explicit film, after all, it made him famous.

But I also know in my heart that people look down on this.

Taking off your clothes and going naked is easy, but putting them back on is difficult.

She naturally wanted to avoid similar roles; she felt uncomfortable even being associated with them.

"I must make it clear that I am not making a personal attack; I am discussing work with you."

“I don’t think the role of Tao Yi is suitable for you.”

“You are more suited to another character in the film.”

Tang Wei remained silent.

Seeing this, Zhang Yuan realized that this woman's mental fortitude was not strong.

“I will talk to Mr. Jiang Zhiqiang, please trust me.”

He didn't have time for this nonsense and immediately called Jiang Zhiqiang.

"Little Phoenix Fairy?"

Zhang Yuan wanted to replace Tang Wei with Xiao Fengxian, a well-known woman from the Republican era.

"That's not a good idea," Mr. Jiang also thought.

Who is Tao Yi? Who is Xiao Fengxian?

One is from the upper class, the other from the lower class.

"Please let me explain first."

"There's one problem: Tao Yi is a good character."

"But firstly, her fame is not as widespread as that of Xiao Fengxian."

This is like how there are definitely fewer people who know about Nobel Prize winners than those who know about Crazy Horse Show models.

Vulgar content has a wider audience.

"Secondly, Tang Wei rose to fame with 'Lust, Caution,' but is he capable of handling such a special role?" "Don't waste your time filming; with so many stars, it's uncertain whose scenes will be captured."

The truth is, all of Tang Wei's scenes from his previous life were cut!
Not a single part of their face was shown.

The production team explained that with so many people involved, not everyone could appear on screen, adding that even a director as renowned as John Woo had his scenes completely cut.

Actually, John Woo wasn't completely cut out; he played Lin Sen, the former chairman of the Republic of China.

Only the parts with dialogue were cut, but the camera still showed them for a few seconds.

Among the family members mourning Yuan Shikai's funeral was a concubine played by Myolie Wu.

It was originally going to be deleted, but after Chow Yun-fat spoke up, he left a one-second shot of his face.

At least at least people know that they've acted out a role.

But Tang Wei, not even a single second of her face is shown, not even a side profile!

Old Han's films, even with Jiang Zhiqiang supporting them from behind, can't get off the ground.

Because the character Tao Yi is too easy to find fault with.

You're casting a porn actress as the first love of a great man?
If anyone in higher up says a word, it's all over.

Those in the industry know that director He Ping, who directed "Warriors of Heaven and Earth," said that the role was good and the characters and plot were necessary, but the result was unfortunate.

Former Hong Kong Film Awards chairman Manfred Wong said the problem lies in the senior management's review process.

Therefore, shifting the sensitive role of the teacher's first love to Xiao Fengxian, a character from a low-class background, can avoid many censorship issues.

Feeling uncomfortable is one thing, but it's better than coming for nothing.

The fact that China Film Group allowed her to direct shows that, theoretically, her "ban" has been relaxed.

It was just one last push, and if her show was ever released, it would be the end of it all.

Zhang Yuan felt that he might as well push it away and save face for the other party.

Tang Wei's future commercial value is still quite good.

As for why he set his sights on the role of "Xiao Fengxian".

This was also to "solve Wah Gor's pain" at the same time.

There aren't many actresses in this world who can make Brother Hua "carry a bag of rice up several flights of stairs".

Previously, there was a story about Zhang Baizhi making long phone calls while he was suspended in mid-air by wires.

These are the artists trained by the Xiang family.

Don't be fooled by the fact that he's too old and keeps gossiping and making headlines, acting like he's powerful and capable of protecting everyone.

If your family is really that rich and powerful, why would an old woman like you be doing live streaming and selling products?
Don't listen to what she says, listen to what she does.

Wearing gold and silver doesn't make you a superior person.

Then, what caused Brother Hua to break down and shake his worldview was this person from the "The Founding of a Republic" crew.

In the evening, the scene of General Cai E bidding farewell to Xiao Fengxian was being filmed in the studio.

The actress playing Xiao Fengxian is our "big baby".

During the day, Zhang Yuan said to Hua Ge.

The man he was acting opposite was a model.

Wah Gor said he knew it; he was quite famous in the Hong Kong entertainment circle.

There's another reason: Brother Hua just took over the role in "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame" with Hua Yi.

Yang Tianbao had just started dating Huang Xiaoming and was just one step away from making it official.

So he gave him some face.

However, Zhang Yuan asked him for help, saying that if the other party's acting was too unbelievable, he would suggest to Lao Han that they replace the actor.

I hope he will agree.

Hua Ge didn't want to get involved, fearing he would offend people from both sides.

But he mentioned that after asking, he planned to exchange with Tang Wei, and since he thought Mr. Jiang Zhiqiang would also know him, he said he would see how things went first.

When I looked at it, I was dumbfounded.

"Another bottle!"

The assistant on site shouted.

What would you like?
Eye drops!
I've seen people use eye drops to film crying scenes, but I've never seen someone use a whole bottle and still not be able to cry!
Brother Hua's pupils dilated in shock!
I've been in this industry for 30 years next year, and I've seen it all.

Hey, I've never seen this before.

This means you've met a master!
Recalling what Zhang Yuan said.

"Her acting skills can't be too bad, after all, she's not a professional."

Oh dear, Zhang Yuan is still cautious and reserved in his speech.

That seems too conservative.

After working for several hours, I still couldn't deliver my lines clearly, and my facial expressions were off.

His eyes were wide open, but not a single tear came out.

The tears couldn't hold; they all flowed away as soon as they were finished, and there wasn't any left when filming officially started.

Back then, Qiong Yao required actresses to pinpoint exactly which second they would shed tears.

The old lady ate too well; if she had lived a few more years, she might have died from her anger.

Zhang Yuan called Lao Han over, and they watched from the side.

Han Sanpin was initially unhappy, saying, "You're always causing me trouble."

Is it any of your business how these kinds of shows are cast?

You're getting more and more "outrageous"!

After reading it, Lao Han's already sparse eyebrows almost got tangled up.

Let's look at Zhang Yuan again.

"You're really good at reading people!"

Such keen eyesight!
Isn't this nonsense?

What kind of scoundrels are those that Huayi pushed over?

Even if you're not an actor, you should at least act well, right?
He rubbed his forehead.

Then he called Andy Lau over.

"Andy Lau, is this... okay?"

"I noticed you seemed to be struggling a bit during the scene."

Old Han also became more tactful.

"I don't care..." Hua Ge said subconsciously, but seeing Zhang Yuan standing beside him, he changed his mind: "Not really."

"okay, I get it."

Only then did he go to discuss it with Huang Jianxin.

At this time, the precious baby was not yet Huayi's person, but only related to her.

She is, in fact, still largely a member of the Hong Kong entertainment circle.

So, regarding Andy Lau and Jiang Zhiqiang's people, Lao Han thought this was their "internal adjustment."

And it really is terrible, undoubtedly the worst film of all, I have my reasons.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Yuan became certain.

I thought to myself, don't I know how good Baby's acting is?
Even in bed... it all seems so fake.

Let alone work.

When they went to find Tang Wei again, she had already received a "reorganization notice".

This person never expected that Zhang Yuan would do it for her just like that.

Even in this star-studded, high-pressure film crew.

Some were surprised that he could do it.

Even those who aren't that smart know that this production is no small Hong Kong film crew; a single mistake can have far-reaching consequences, and it's not going to be easy.

"Although Xiao Fengxian is a woman of the night, she is proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting."

"And she was exceptional in both looks and talent."

"And it played a positive role in General Cai E's campaign to overthrow Yuan Shikai."

In reality, the so-called "earth-shattering love" between Cai E and Xiao Fengxian is mostly a literary creation.

The two had some interaction, but it wasn't to the point where they would be inseparable even in life and death.

It was only because Cai E frequented prostitutes that Yuan Shikai lowered his guard, and Xiao Fengxian had helped him escape surveillance.

"A character is always just a character."

"Wang Jiazhi can play the role, and so can Xiao Fengxian."

Do you know Qin Hai Road?

“My senior,” Tang Wei replied.

"Qin Hailu's debut role was in the drama 'Durian Durian,' where she played a girl from the north."

"That is, women from mainland China who go to Hong Kong to engage in prostitution."

Qin Hailu initially didn't want to act, feeling that I was a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama and had just graduated, so why was I being given this kind of role?
But Teacher Chang Li told her.

"If you are a celebrity, you have to consider your image at all times."

"But if you are a good actor, one day you may play a worse role than this, a role of a lower or more humble status."

"What you should be considering is whether you like it and whether you want to play this role."

In short, it boils down to just two sentences.

Are you an actor? Are prostitutes human?

Only by being able to answer these two questions well can one be considered to have entered the world of acting.

The so-called liberation of one's true nature does not mean promiscuity, but rather emptying oneself and immersing oneself in the role without prejudice.

Qin Hailu is talented, and with the help of a good teacher, she was able to win the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress right from her debut.

"What you need to do now is to overcome the character of Wang Jiazhi and everything she brings you, whether good or bad."

"You have to move forward, you can't stand still."

"Oh...I understand." Tang Wei nodded.

Not smart, but listens to advice.

Zhang Yuan thought that this wasn't bad; the real problem was that the person was both stupid and stubborn.

He waved goodbye to the man.

It's really for her own good.

After all, "Lust, Caution" wasn't made by her alone, so why don't you go and boycott Tony Leung?
Besides that, he also had his own ideas.

It's good for Tang Wei to be favored.

"Zhang Yuan."

He was planning to take a car home to rest.

Old Han wouldn't even reimburse the gas expenses, and he only gave us a standard room.

That's how we saved on filming costs.

Chow Yun-fat is smarter now; he doesn't ask for a presidential suite or a large RV.

He knew that if he dared to speak out, China Film Group would dare to mess with him.

Just then, a resentful female voice stopped him as he was about to go home to sleep.

Turning my head, I saw it was my beloved darling, who uses a lot of eye drops when filming...

(End of this chapter)